Summer is here! So it must be time for:

Avening Church Fete: June 1st

Avening School Fete : July 19th

Cherington Show: July 27th

editors@acvillager.co.uk

The Villager

A Magazine for Avening, Cherington and Nags Head _____________________________________________

June 2014 50p

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Who’s Who in the Parishes

The Villager Magazine

Editors editors@acvillager.co.uk Jane Archer, Frances Conway and Derrick Pierce 07812 137161 (Jane) 01453 832177 (Frances) 01453 835090 (Derrick)

Advertising editors@acvillager.co.uk Wendy Jennings

Deliveries 01453 834834 Cas Boddam-Whetham

Deadline 20th of each month

AVENING

Churchwardens George Buchanan 01453 833016

Stephanie Hamilton 01453 834910

PCC Secretary Lynne Mowles 07909 870544

PCC Treasurer Peter Best 01453 835287

Organist Colin Chambers 01666 880026

Flower Team Gill Adams Doreen Pierce

01453 833175 01453 835090

CHERINGTON

Churchwardens Roger Gegg 01453 834805

John Bate-Williams 01666 503544

Sacristan Beryl Milsom 01285 841248

PCC Secretary Elizabeth Workman 01285 841294

PCC Treasurer Paul Cable cabes50@yahoo.co.uk

Organist Elizabeth Workman 01285 841294

Beryl Milsom 01285 841248

Flower Team Elizabeth Workman 01285 841294

Visit Avening church web site at :- www.aveningchurch.info

PARISH PRIEST

READER

Rev. Peter Quinnell

Derrick Pierce

01453833251 quinnell708@btinternet.com

01453 835090

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Parish Letter Dear Friends,

Occasionally, when I am pushing the shopping trolley around one of the local supermarkets, I suggest to Jean that we treat ourselves and purchase a few of the Finest range of groceries. (You can guess where we shop!) We are fortunate inasmuch that we have choice and don’t have to worry too much about budgeting. During a recent meeting of TACT (Tetbury Area Churches Together) I was encouraged to learn about the support for the local Food Banks in Cirencester and Stroud. More and more families and individuals are becoming dependant on Food Banks, especially during school holidays when there are no free school meals. Unlike my household, many don’t have freedom of choice in feeding their family. I will shortly become more actively involved by becoming another contact point for Food Bank Vouchers. We can all help by becoming a donor. (The WI have a box for groceries at their monthly meeting in Avening Memorial Hall.)

The villagers of Avening were recently asked to complete a survey and the results were published at their Annual Village Meeting. Several of the questions related to choice, such as, ‘What would you like to see in the village,’ and, ‘What services would you like in church’. And more recently all the Parochial Church Councils had a Vision day focusing on growing the Church. One of the tasks was to imagine where we would like the Church to be two years hence as a vibrant focal point for all – Family Services, opportunities for young mothers and toddlers, a loo in every church, livelier services, and much more. The next stage is for the PCCs to prepare an action plan and put it into place.

In response to several parents who asked on Easter Day, “when is the next Family Service?” there will be one at Avening Church on Sunday 8

th June at

11:00am – this is the Feast of Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, when we give thanks to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I look forward to welcoming you on that special day.

It has been a joy and a privilege to be a Parish Priest for nearly twenty years and to ‘travel’ with many on the journey of faith as a Christian. Some people find church buildings too imposing and may only attend for a Baptism, or a wedding, or a Funeral; others may join with regular worshippers at Christmas and Easter. Some find they are much more comfortable gathering in a friend’s home – the first Christians didn’t have beautiful churches like Holy Cross and St Nicholas, and they certainly didn’t have magnificent cathedrals such as Gloucester or Winchester – they met in each others’ homes. Following on from the Lent Course there will be a monthly meeting, open to everyone, starting on

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Date Sides persons Chalice Sacristan

June 1

st AVENING CHURCH FETE

June 8

th Cas/Margaret Stephen Elizabeth

June 15

th Stephanie/Piers Derrick Ann

June 22nd George/Jeanie Paul Elizabeth June 29

th Cas/Piers Hamish Gill

July 6

th Stephanie/Margaret Stephen Ann

Church Duties in Avening

Church

Floodlighting

The Church looks lovely when it is lit up at night.

If you would like to have this in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a special event, contact

Paul Brown

01453 835 983

The cost is £5.00 for 2 hours

Monday 23rd

June at 7:30pm at The Rectory (5 Orchard Field, Avening). We shall be looking at a booklet titled ‘Pilgrim – A Course for the Christian Journey.’

A final comment on choice. In the story of the true vine Jesus reminded his disciples that they did not choose him, but that he chose them, the fishermen, the tax collectors and others. We too have been chosen to go out to bear lasting fruit and to love one another.

With my love and prayers,

Peter

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Services in Avening & Cherington June

Date Time Church Service Details

Sunday 1st June

08.00 Avening Holy Communion BCP

09.30 Cherington Holy Communion BCW

11.00 Avening NO SERVICE

AVENING CHURCH FETE

Sunday 8th June

08.00 Avening NO SERVICE

PENTECOST 09.30 Cherington Matins BCP

11.00 Avening All Age Holy Communion

Sunday 15th June

08.00 Avening Holy Communion BCP

09.30 Cherington Holy Communion BCP

11.00

Avening

Holy Communion BCW

Sunday 22nd June

08.00 Avening NO SERVICE

09.30 Cherington Holy Communion BCW

11.00 Avening Holy Communion BCW & Baptism

Sunday 29th June

08.00 Avening Holy Communion BCP

09.30 Cherington Holy Communion BCW

11.00 Avening Holy Communion BCW

12.30 Cherington Baptism

Sunday 6th July

08.00 Avening Holy Communion BCP

09.30 Cherington Holy Communion BCW

11.00

Avening Holy Communion BCW & Baptism

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Photographs in The Villager Magazine Many thanks to Sue Mochrie for our cover photo. If you have a photo of Avening or Cherington which you would like to share with us, please feel free to send it to us. You never know, it might turn up on the front

cover…!

editors@acvillager.co.uk

Avening Memorial Hall The Avening Memorial Hall AGM will take place on Monday 16 June 7:30pm in the Memorial Hall. All are welcome to attend and hear an update on the

Memorial Hall and plans for the coming year. The Hall is run by a committee of volunteers who look after the building, finance and bookings. We welcome new committee members - it is an opportunity to be involved in an important

part of village life but is not time consuming. If you are interested please come to the AGM or call 07583 073604.

Apology from the Editors…. So who spotted the major error in last month’s copy of the Villager, fast becoming a rare collectors item? Yes, last month was actually May, despite the fact that the front cover of the Villager Magazine said April 2014. What can we say? No excuses, with three of us you’d think we could manage to get that right between us! However, hopefully it won’t happen again - and we’ll be a little more careful with the copy and paste in future!

Derrick, Frances and Jane

All requests for additional services (Weddings, Baptisms etc.) MUST be made through Rev Peter Quinnell

OR if he is not available the Church Wardens Their contact details are on page 3

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Event Day Time Where Contact

Line Dancing Monday 7.30 - 10.00pm

Social Club Mel 01453 833760

Cherington PC 4th Tuesday Bi-monthly

6.30pm Village Hall Frances 01453767384

Book Club 1st Monday each month

7.30pm The Bell Kristiane 01453 836515

Youth Club Tuesday 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Memorial Hall

Cassie 01453 834182

Bell Ringing Tuesday 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Church Bell Tower

David 01453 882914

Line Dancing Tuesday 7.45 - 10.30pm

Social Club Mel 01453 833760

Yoga Wednesday 7.30pm -9.00pm

Memorial Hall

Elles 0781 555 2952

Over 60s Lunch Club

1st Wednesday each month

12.30pm Social Club Christine 01453 833246

Dial-a-Ride Thursday 9.30am Liz Truman 01666 502514

WI

2nd Thursday each month

7.30pm Memorial Hall

Maisie 01453 834679

Avening PC 3rd Thursday each month

7.30pm Memorial Hall

Caroline 01285 380041

Tony’s Music Quiz

1st Saturday each month

7.30pm Social Club In aid of the Cobalt unit

Avening Angels Choir

Sunday

4-30pm Various Derrick 01453 835090

What’s On In Avening and Cherington

Please let us know if we have forgotten any regular event or if there is something you would like to have included here.

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Church of England Educational Fund

Money from The Church of England Educational

Fund is available to young people who are under 25

years old and live in the parish of Avening to help

with their education.

If you (or your children) need help from this fund,

please apply in writing to the 'Educational Fund,' c/o

Mrs Stephanie Hamilton, 2 Fairview, High St., Avening

Applications should be in by the end of June 2014.

We look forward to hearing from you

The scope and operations of the Educational Fund Charity extends

only to those who are resident in the parish of Avening, and not

those who reside in the parish of Cherington (as advertised in the

last issue). We apologise for this error.

Stephanie Hamilton

(for the trustees)

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TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM CHOIR MEMBERS OR LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES OR CONTACT

LIZ FULLER 07453 835067 Adults in advance £5-00 on the door £6-00 Consessions £3-00 or £4-00 on the door

UNDER 12’s Free

Bar applied for

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THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

You may have spotted Andrea Glover and Sarah Hancock striding out of the village most weekends and wondered where they were going in such a hurry.

Well we are busy training in preparation for doing the National Three Peaks Challenge in June. This is a test of fitness and endurance which involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon), all within 24 hours - no mean feat!

We will be starting the ascent of Ben Nevis at 7am on Saturday 7 June and hope to complete the Snowdon climb before 7am on Sunday morning.

Sarah's husband Paul kindly (with only a bit of arm-twisting) volunteered to act as team chauffeur to ferry the intrepid belles between the three locations, and also provide refreshments at the end of each climb.

Some people consider us mad - all that effort and lack of sleep - but we are looking forward to the challenge and hope to also raise money for charities close to our hearts. Sarah is raising funds for Dementia UK in memory of her dad, and Andrea is raising funds for Cancer Research UK, also in memory of her dad.

If you would like to sponsor us you can do so through our Just Giving web pages:

www.justgiving.com/SHancock1 / www.justgiving.com/Andrea-Glover1

Thank you for reading this. We hope to include some photos of our exploits in the July Villager, after we have completed the Challenge.

Andrea and Sarah

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Down To Earth

I hope everyone has had a good Chelsea, whether in SW3 or in the sitting room, and has felt inspired and encouraged.

This has been such a wonderful month for appreciating the very diverse shades of green, or bronze, foliage together with the May blossom, white lilac, Queen Anne’s Lace (cow parsley), wild cherry blossom and blackthorn . Early morning or twilight are the

best moments, when the slanting rays of the sun reveal the textural and tonal qualities in the verdure. At such times I could forego all the pizzazz of floral gaudiness. The effect of foliage in its own right is so often underestimated. When designing a herbaceous border, it is not only important to bear in mind the floral colours, the flowering season of each species, their deportment (I mean, good upright posture, or slouching and sprawling) but also the foliage. Right now, before many flowers are open, the plants are sitting side by side in their green dresses and there needs to be visual interest, contrast and variety.

Geraniums. I am thinking of those outdoor fellows, not the pelargoniums, be they zonal, regal, ivy-leafed or scented. I came to a garden where a pink flowered variety behaved like a neo-colonialist. I gave chunks to friends until they cried; ‘No more’. Last week a particularly pushy one was nudging up too close and personal to a rather nice cotoneaster. A sharp spade was poised when I glimpsed the first flower - such a cheerful pink. The plant was allowed a stay of execution. Perhaps just a slight nibble at the sides. A real beauty is the geranium clarkei ‘Kashmir White’, bought last year at the Cherington Show. This has lacy foliage and its delicate white flowers are veined with pink; so far, it knows its place. The geranium nodosum is another beauty and very happy in shade. Not bossy, either. The geranium macrorrhizum is exceptional in being evergreen, the leaves turning deep red in autumn.

There is still time, just, to plant beans, French, runner or climbing. Apart from the borlotta bean, a favourite of mine is the French climbing bean cosse violette (Kings Seeds or Franchi). The flower is a pretty deepish pink and the beans are dark purple, which turns to green when cooked. (Alas, so successful were my crops last year that the structure

Geranium clarkei ‘Kashmir

Miserden nursery

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collapsed under the weight. So, it’s back to the drawing board for my frame-builder!)

In early May we made a return visit to Great Dixter, home and garden of the late, great and much-missed Christopher Lloyd. On the way we called at Pashley Manor, famous for its tulip displays. This was drop-dead gorgeous and even if it did leave an impression of nigh-impossible tidiness, one could still appreciate that a huge amount of dedicated work had gone on behind the scenes. By contrast, Great Dixter was a buzz of ongoing work. A guide explained the ethos, now, of Great Dixter: the primary concern, in keeping with Christo’s sentiments, is to educate young gardeners - to give them a career. This is not a garden that will be preserved in aspic. Christo would never have wanted that. But it preserves a certain spirit and for that I could return again and again. Three more plants from the nursery have added to my collection of cherished mementos of Great Dixter.

Last year I wrote about the mirabilis jalapa (Marvel of Peru or Four o’clock Flower), a plant I bought at Strawberry Hill. I collected the seeds and have raised a number of seedlings this spring which I shall give to the plant stall at the summer fête. So, if you would like one of these unusual plants, hurry to the plant stall. You may just get the last one!

I’m off to Miserden nursery tomorrow, to buy some good plants to fill some gaps!

Marilyn Jones

The long border,Great Dixter

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Avening Primary School

THEY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

We have been taking part in events to mark the Centenary of the Great War.

The Hawks children wrote moving poems about poppies which were displayed

in the Comrade’s Club in Nailsworth along with work from other schools. You

can see three of these poems below. On 13 June we will be singing around

the War Memorial in Avening, together with children from Woodchester and

Leighterton schools, at 1.45pm – do come along if you would like to support

this event.

POPPY POEM

The stems as green as grass

But sad grass

Bendy as elastic

But bowing in sadness to all the dead

The buds hiding a secret

But with a heaviness weighing them down

Like a flower waiting to delight

But also helping people to remember

We will remember them!

by Henry

POPPY POEM

Bending with the weight of the bud

The poppy standing in Flanders Field

Slowly growing in the grounds

The stalks are green as a cooking apple

Poppies are like a red firework

Dancing like ballerinas twirling around in the beautiful breeze of air

The wind makes it blow around the blue air

Swirling like feathers in the blue sky

It’s a very nice colour and it makes people think about men who died in the wars.

By Evie

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POPPY POEM

Poppies dancing in the sun

Noble like rubies on the run

Spikey hairs but smooth on the sides

Horses stand on the red carpet with pride

Thin as silk like a scarlet braid

Poppies hiding in dark cold shade

Dew drops of buds like crying tears

Staying put like they’ve been there for years and years

Leafy green buds like a chrysalis hanging from a stem

Not many people will see these beauties again

Looking at them makes your eyes all weak

The poppies I’m looking for are the ones you seek

By Ruari

On 23 May we had a very busy day – our Owls class and their teacher Gill Redpath put on a great show in their assembly which showcased many of the topics they have learned this year in an amusing and entertaining way. And following this excitement, the whole school took part in the annual sponsored walk – this year with the aim of raising money for the Eagles’ outside area and developing the school garden.

If you are interested in finding out more about our school please take a

regular look at our website (www.avening.gloucs.sch.uk) which is

updated often. In particular take a look at the interesting introduction to

all our staff – with pictures courtesy of the children!

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Avening Playgroup Last term has been very busy at Playgroup. We have managed to pack a lot of activities in to a short term. The children helped to weed the vegetable plot and prepare for sowing seeds. We planted flowers and lettuce. We are all looking forward to watching them grow and then tasting them during our snack times.

The children have enjoyed painting pictures of themselves, step by step and producing colourful paintings of flowers.

Also our children who are starting school in September have been practising getting changed for P.E and have been taking part in various exercises. Our regular exercise activity and physi-gym still remains a favourite with the children. They all love to join in enthusiastically.

During our ‘letters and sounds’ activity we have been looking at rhyming words and the children always look forward to the little red “rhyming pairs” book coming out. They are becoming very quick in identifying which words rhyme.

We also had the photographer in to take individual and group photos of the children.

I hope the children enjoy a restful half term as we have a long and busy term ahead which will include the leavers trip to Slimbridge and a family day to Cattle Country.

We are currently taking names for those children who will be three during the school year 2014/2015. So ring Angie on 01453 832695 if you would like your child to join our happy Playgroup. We are open term times, weekdays between 9am – 12.30pm.

Abi Hamesse

The Mobile Police Station

Non-emergency phone 101

THE MOBILE POLICE STATION WILL BE VISITING ON

June 18th & July 18th

in Avening from 9.00 am to 10.00 am. and

Cherington 10.15 to 11.15am.

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Avening Cinema Club

After showing four films, Avening Film Club are delighted to have been able to donate some money locally. Avening Social Club has been our first recipient and Avening Primary School will be our second. It has been very pleasing to have been able to contribute to the village in terms of organising an event that brings the community together, offers an accessible and affordable form of entertainment and to be able to give funds in the village where it is needed.

June's Film: Wednesday 18th June

12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013) – Drama

Cert: 15 – Run time: 2 hr. 14 min.

Cast & Crew: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Alfré Woodard, Quvenzhané Wallis Director: Steve McQueen

TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

July's Film: Wednesday 16th July

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (2013) – Drama - Contains moderate violence and threat

Cert: 12A – Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min.

Cast & Crew: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Addirahman, Catherine Keener, John Magaro, Michael Chernus, Max Martini, Christopher Stadulis

Director: Paul Greengrass

Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is - through director Paul Greengrass's distinctive lens - simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks), and the Somali

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pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips' unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

Kristiana Maseyk

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Avening W.I. The W.I. members have a busy summer ahead with numerous events and challenges.

Firstly a reminder to all those villagers and friends who like to join us on our summer coach trip. We have a number of places left for the trip to Kew Gardens on 2nd July. The coach will be leaving from the Memorial Hall at 8.30 a.m. and the cost will be £13 + the cost of entry to Kew. This varies according to age and is free to members of Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. Please contact Sue Osborne on 01453 839327 if you would like to join us.

We are planning to have a day trying our hands at willow weaving and we are working on our entries to the competitions at the annual local W.I. rally which this year is being hosted by Kemble. We are also serving teas at the Village fete so the smell of baking scones will be in the air shortly from various houses in Avening.

We chose a beautiful day for a walk on Rodborough Common to view the wonderful array of cowslips and orchids. Those among us who are knowledgeable about wild flowers also discovered a dozen or so other varieties. The walk was followed by a good lunch at the Half Way Cafe. We all enjoyed the walk so much that we will try and arrange one every month.

At our meeting our speaker was Richard Box and the subject was Drawing for the Terrified. We did not know what to expect and were set a task to draw a face by copying the lines given to us. We did not know that while we were

doing it we were drawing a face as the drawings were upside down, but all of the results were very good. Richard explained that so many people believe that they cannot draw that they do not try but in fact everyone has an artist within them.

Gwyneth Simpson

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Avening Youth Club Is temporarily closed, but hopes to

resume in September

Many, many thanks to Cassie and her group of helpers who have been doing a

wonderful job running this for several years

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No one recognised anyone in this 1920s Avening School photo? Surely not?

Let either Fred Venning or the editors know

Down Memory Lane

Bewell therapy, Avening

Acupuncture – Tui Na massage – Sports therapy massage

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Everyone is invited to the

934th Birthday Celebration

of Holy Cross Church,

Avening

on

Holy Cross Day

Sunday September 14th

11am Church Service (ALL AGE HOLY COMMUNION)

attended by

The King and Queen

and their entourage (Children from

Year 6)

who will then lead us to their

Pig Face Feast for all the village.

Medieval costumes may be worn by all!

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SUPPORT WORKERS/ RELIEF SUPPORT WORKERS AVENING & FROCESTER

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We are a leading provider of services for adults with learning disabilities and are looking for staff to deliver

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Shifts include evenings, weekends and some sleeping nights.

A current driving licence is needed. Experience is pre-ferred but not essential as we offer excellent training and

competitive pay rates. We are also looking to recruit Relief Support Workers –

working hours as needed that fit in with life’s other commitments, this is an ideal way of discovering if this is

the career for you.

Interested? For more information, please call us on 01453 832201 or email recruitment.glos@hft.org.uk

To find out more about Hft, visit our website www.hft.org.uk

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34

A Celebration!

No longer a Christian Country? A post Christian Era? What nonsense!

You wouldn’t believe these remarks attributed to Archbishop Rowan Williams if you had been up in London on May 3

rd, when over a thousand priests marched

from Westminster Abbey to St Paul’s to celebrate the twenty years since the first ordination of Women Priests.

All along the route we were greeted by cheering and clapping. Taxis stopped and their passengers got out to cheer as we passed by. People ran out of the shops and cafes, bus passengers waved, and motorists hooted their horns in support. We were hugged and cheered by passers-by, congratulated and thanked.

Why?

Because many people do feel themselves to be Christians and want to support those willing to stand up for the Faith and carry the Gospel of Christ out into the World. The people of this country may not be great church-goers but they are believers and want this country to continue to be governed by Christian values.

As we neared St Paul’s Cathedral we could hear the shouts of welcome to those at the front of the long procession, and a band playing at the foot of the steps. Once again, we were hugged and kissed by strangers as we made our way to the cloisters to robe all in white.

Soon, we were standing on the steps - 700 or so of those women who were the very first to be ordained into the Church of England. We were a motley crew of women in their fifties to their eighties; the oldest I spoke to was 91! Some in wheelchairs, some on sticks or crutches, all bearing the scars of years of struggle against prejudice from the Church but yet radiant with the joy of celebration. We had won through and were still holding high the banner of Faith.

As we entered the Cathedral the two thousand congregation rose to their feet and gave us a standing ovation. The organ thundered out a welcome and yet even that could not drown the cheers coming from the extended congregation standing in Paternoster Square, to join in the service via a big screen. We filed slowly up to the High altar to take our places, and then it was our turn to clap our new Archbishop Justin Welby as he took his place with the two women priests of the Cathedral behind the altar.

The service was joyful, yet prayerful, as we were all so aware of how we had relied on God’s strength to sustain us over the years. During his sermon the Archbishop apologised to the gathered women priests who had had to bear the pain of the knee jerk reaction of a Church reluctant to change. He thanked us for the steadfast endurance and faithful ministry which enabled the present day ordinands to be as equally welcome as their male colleagues.

Together we had experienced the Church at her worst, but this was the day

35

when we were rejoicing - and the Church of England was at her best!

I believe that God is leading us to more changes, some fundamental and some cosmetic. In order for the Church to live and to win back those who have left disillusioned and feeling let down, it must evolve. The Church must find ways to re-engage with God’s people and must fight against the temptation of turning in on itself, hiding behind administration and overloading its clergy. They must have the freedom and the time to live as Christ lived, in the community, reaching out to all his people. Being all accepting, welcoming and non-judgemental and showing God’s love in Pastoral Care. Then I think we will come nearer to Jesus’s great command: “Love one another as I have loved you”.

Rev. Celia

Gloucester Diocese Celebrates Twenty Years of

Women’s Ministry

On Saturday May 10th several

members of Avening Church joined Margaret and Richard Maslen and Poppy Hughes in Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of women being ordained as priests. Although Margaret was originally ordained in the Diocese of Bath and Wells she was among the first group there and has now served in Gloucester Diocese for a good number of years.

Thanks to Doreen for this photo

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O.L.Cottle Family Business

Hand Carved Memorials : Cremation Plaques

Additional Inscriptions : Renovations and Cleaning

All Types of Stonework

Tel: 01453 762877 36 Slad Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire

S Woodman

Garden Services

General Gardening

Grass Cutting ~ Hedge Cutting

Tree Cutting ~ Fruit Tree Pruning

General Ground Clearance

Good Rates / O.A.P Discount

Please Call: Home: 01453 834744 Mobile: 07814206803

FENCING AND GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED FIREWOOD – LOGS AND KINDLING

JCB EXCAVATIONS – DRIVES, FOOTINGS, ETC. SOIL, GRAVEL AND HARDCORE SUPPLIED

Tel: 01453 833239

PETER SAVAGE

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DON’T FORGET US!

WE HAVE TWO FUNCTION ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PARTIES OR MEETINGS (AT COMPETITIVE PRICES)

REGULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

Line Dancing Monday & Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 10.00

Pool league Tuesday evenings

Mens and ladies skittles teams

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE RURAL CINEMA

Next film on Wednesday 18th June admission only £4-00

More details tel. the club after 7.30pm 01453 833760

Avening Social Club

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Avening Book Club Birds Without Wings – Louis De Bernières

Not for the faint hearted, Birds Without Wings is a big book, a whopping 625 pages and not an easy read. In fact De Bernières once said in an interview that his books have a built-in mechanism for eliminating readers with poor concentration. Get past the first 100 pages and you’ll be sucked into rich tapestry of love, hate, war and all aspects of the human condition.

The story unfolds in the fictional town of Eskibahçe in south-western Turkey during the 1900s in which Christian and Muslim lives and traditions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. De Bernières’ writing is so rich you can feel the dusty heat, smell the wild thyme and hear the bleating of goats roaming the olive groves. The town’s people are a diverse mix of Greeks, Turks and Armenians all living peacefully together and not just tolerating each’s religions but taking elements from both faiths; the town’s Muslims spend a lot of time asking their Christian friends to make offerings to the Virgin on their behalf. Christian women prepare for childbirth with the aid of Koranic verses.

De Bernières leads the reader into a false sense of security because as with most of his novels lurking behind the corner is death, destruction and depravity. De Bernières is not shy to explore the worst that humanity has to offer.

With the onset of World War 1, the collapsing Ottoman Empire and the rise of Turkish nationalism, the townsfolk idyllic lifestyle is shattered and the peaceful fabric of life is destroyed. The twin scourges of religion and nationalism lead to forced marches and massacres, friends become enemies and life is never the same again. The Battle of Gallipoli takes place halfway through the novel and De Bernières account is both fascinating and harrowing in equal measures. His account of the Armenian Holocaust is simply tearful and shows what depths human depravity can descend to.

Birds Without Wings is a not just a novel about the personal and political costs of war, but about love: between men and women; between friends; and between Philothei, a Christian girl of legendary beauty, and Ibrahim the Goatherd, who has courted her since childhood.

Personally I enjoyed the novel immensely, however the book received mixed reviews from the members of the book club; some didn’t finish it (one member said their dog ate the book half way through!), others said it was too political to enjoy fully. I concurred with others said it was masterfully written.

It has been said that Birds Without Wings is a modern take on Tolstoy’s War and Peace and for that reason it is a book that should adorn every book shelf.

Darren Ratcliffe

Next meeting: Mon 2nd

June 7.30 The Bell The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal.

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Re: The Churchyard.

We wanted to alert you to a problem that is occurring in the churchyard.

As you know, we have a baby buried in Avening churchyard, and we tend the grave at fairly regular intervals. We have yet to organise a gravestone, remiss of us, I know, so the grave isn't always obvious to passers-by who use the footpath through the churchyard. It is sited right at the top adjacent the gate into the field.

There were a couple of occasions last year when we found that there was dog fouling on the grave, but on Saturday it was in a terrible state. The whole area was covered with either dog mess or slurry, there was so much, it was almost as if it had been put there deliberately.

The smell was so bad that I was nearly sick and Peter had to clear it! We washed the area and then went to garden centre at Nailsworth and purchased some potting compost and horticultural grit, the latter in the hopes that it will deter dogs. I have planted cottage garden seeds beneath the grit. Last year I did the same and it looked really pretty.

I am not sure what we can do apart from visiting regularly to check all is well. (We did note the new signs regarding dog walkers.)

I am sorry to write such a letter, but thought that you should be made aware of the situation as, as previously stated, it has happened before.

Elizabeth and Peter Parry-Williams.

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS

The Editors have been asked to publish the following extract from a letter sent to a member of the Church Council.

PLEASE, PLEASE exercise your dog responsibly and if they have an

accident please clear up after them, there is a bin by the church gate for disposal of dog faeces.

GIG In The QUARRY

With great regret we have to report that,

due to circumstances beyond the

organisers’ control, there will be no Gig in

aid of the Meningitis Trust this year

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Avening Parish Council

PLANNING

Planning applications can be found on Cotswold District Council’s website

at www.cotswold.gov.uk - go to weekly planning list. You are also able to

sign up for Planning Alerts so that the emails can come straight to your In

Box.

New Planning Applications 14/01610/OUT Redrow Homes Land Off Hampton Street , Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Residential development of up to 120 dwellings, with vehicular access from Hampton Street, associated public open space and other infrastructure HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY 14 households were identified as being in need of affordable housing in the Village. To see the full report see the Village website or contact the Clerk. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Part way to meet this need, the County Council has drawn up proposals for a small development at the end of The Sunground. For more information see the Village website or contact the Clerk. These proposals are still in the draft stage and no planning application has yet been made. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Has been awarded to Fred Venning for all of his work on the Village History Project! His work uncovered the stories behind our war heroes is particularly pertinent this year.

Fred Venning receives his ‘Volunteer of the Year award from Tony Slater

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ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

At the Annual Meeting Cllr Tony Slater was elected Chairman and Cllr Mick Williamson was elected Vice Chairman for the coming year. In his welcome speech at the meeting Cllr Slater thanked outgoing Chairman Jim Parsons for all his hard work and commitment and wished him a speedy recovery. He commented that the main challenges facing the council were, firstly, a number of controversial planning applications, which the council will work through to get the best outcomes for the village; and secondly, the generally poor state of many of the roads. The Council are working with Highways (Amey) to highlight and repair priorities. A big successes to highlight was the flood defence on the stream, which probably saved the school from floods last winter, undertaken in cooperation with affected residents. The Council are also supporting further work in plan to clear blockages under the bridge. Longer term plans include looking at improving the water courses, and the Adopt a Pump scheme. He also reminded people of the new website, which has evolved from what was a small, purely functional site, to become a hub for everything Avening, with 31 pages covering activities in the village, census information, village and external contacts, 8 walks with maps and an archive of the Villager Magazines.

www.avening-pc.gov.uk

The next meeting of Avening Parish Council will be held on Thursday, 19 June 2014 at 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall. Parish Council meetings are

usually held on the third Thursday of the month. All Are Welcome.

The Parish Council address is:

Caroline Braidwood, Parish Clerk, 77 Pheasant Way, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1BQ

Tel: 01285 380041 Email: parishclerk@avening-pc.gov.uk

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Cherington Parish Council

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

New Applications:

14/00510/FUL

The Old Rectory, Cherington, Tetbury GL8 8SW

Erection of porch

14/01807/FUL

The Old Rectory, Cherington, Tetbury GL8 8SW

Erection of summer house in garden

Outcomes of Previous Applications:

14/0211/FUL Hailstone Barn, Cherington Permission

For further information and details of planning applications please visit planning@cotswold.gov.uk

ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

This was held on May 13th at the village hall. It was great to see so many

people attend this annual meeting.

The Chairman of the Parish Council, Mike Mitchell, welcomed the new vicar and his wife to the parish, thanking the church wardens for their hard work in the interim period. Thanks also went to those responsible for the new light on the church tower which was appreciated in the village.

Mike also thanked everyone who had taken part in the annual litter pick in March which had been a success. Appreciation was noted for the on-going support of the parish councillors. The great work of the village show and its valuable contribution to all aspects of village life was noted.

PC Paul Hancock gave a report and answered questions about crime in the local area. Fortunately there isn't very much criminal activity happening but he advised residents to make sure they secure windows and doors so opportunist burglary can be avoided. The two items most at risk appear to be jewellery and expensive, high end bicycles. PC Hancock reminded everyone that if anyone sees anything suspicious then please ring 101.

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Beryl Milsom presented the Village Hall report with income appearing to be slightly up on last year. She gave a report on future repairs which would help to secure the building for a few more years until a long term plan could be developed.

Cllr Kate Gegg thanked everyone for the fantastic response to the surveys that were distributed around the parish in response to the development of a Parish Business Plan. A total of 45 out of 59 surveys had been completed and returned. Kate gave a flavour of some of the results and noted there had been some interesting suggestions and comments providing, much food for thought. Overall, there was very positive support for a plan to make sure Cherington not only retained its unique character but that it would become more sustainable in the future.

Next steps were to prepare an action plan based on the responses and begin to prioritise the issues. Watch this space!

All residents of the Parish are welcome to attend parish meetings. If you have any concerns, issues, queries or comments you would like to make

relating to the Parish then please don't hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk

Frances Ashfield on 01453 767384 or via email at cheringtonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk

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Web page—www.casbw.co.uk

Help needed!

for busy family of 5 plus dog.

We are looking for someone to help us for 4 hours a week - twice 2 hours - to clean our home. Days can be negotiated. We

live in Avening and you will need your own transport.

Pay is 8 pounds an hour and we need someone as soon as possible.

Please call 7971 737 626 or send and email to lutherond@al.com.

Avening WI Trip to Kew Gardens

We have a few places left on the coach. If you would like to join us on our visit to Kew Gardens on Wednesday 2 July,

please telephone Sue Osborne. 01453 839327. The cost of the coach is £13 plus entrance to the Gardens. If you are a

member of Westonbirt Arboretum entry is free with your membership card. We are leaving the village at 8.30 am.

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Avening Parish Council Clerk Caroline Braidwood 01285 380041

Cherington Parish Council Clerk Frances Ashfield 01453 767384

Cotswold District Councillor Jim Parsons 01453 836596

Avening Sunday School / Messy church

Doreen Pierce Elizabeth Buchanan

01453 835090 01453 833016

Avening Tower Captain David Govier 01453 882914

Avening Primary School Jane Rushton 01453 833191

Avening Playgroup Debbie Brown 01453 832695 Home 835983

Avening Village Agent Aileen Bendall 07810-630156

Avening Youth Club Cassie Vickery 01453 834182

A and C Cricket Club Derrick Ind 01453 835752

Over 60s Lunch Club Christine Howell 01453 833246

Avening Silver Band Jim Hill 01453 834438

Friends of Avening School Jo Missenden 01453 833688

Cherington Village Hall Beryl Milsom 01285 841248

Avening Memorial Hall 07583 073604

Avening Group Oil Coordinator Frances Lindley 01453 835115

Tetbury Hospital 01666 502336

Avening History Project Fred Vening fred@fvening.fsnet.co.uk

01285 850624

Stroud Hospital Reception 3000 421 8080

Women’s Institute Maisie Stanton 01453 834679

Avening Book Club Kristiane Maseyk 01453 836515

Useful Telephone Numbers

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Sunday 1st June Avening Art Show Holy Cross Church Avening

31st May:

Noon-5.00pm

1st June: 10am- 4.30pm

Sunday June 1st Avening Church

Fete

In and around the Church and

school

2.00pm.

Saturday 7th June

Stuart Singers Charity concert

St. Mary’s Church Tetbury

7.30pm.

Friday 13th June Primary Schools WW1 Remembrance

Event

War Memorial 1.45pm

Sunday 15th June

Gardens Open National Gardens

Scheme

Old Rectory & 18 Star Lane

Avening

2-6.00pm

Monday 16th June

Avening Memorial Hall AGM

Memorial Hall 7.30pm

Wednesday 18th June

Avening Cinema Club

Avening Social Club

7.30pm

Saturday 21st June

WW1 Event: Songs and Stories

Memorial Hall 6.30pm

Friday 27th June WW1 Event: Talk & Exhibition

Memorial Hall 7.00pm

Wednesday 2nd July

WI outing to Kew Gardens

Coach outside Memorial Hall

8.30am

Saturday 19th July

Avening School Fete Avening School 2.00 pm

Sunday 27th July Cherington Fete All over Cherington

2.00 pm

Sunday 14th September

Pig Face Day Service in Church followed by

feast

Holy Cross Church Avening

11.00am

Dates for your Diary

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